Page 139 of The Devil's Fire

My mood dampened when I saw my house, and I purposely walked slower, not ready to face my mother again. I just hoped that she had somehow calmed down or just gone to bed.

I let out a sigh when we were near, and I stopped to look at them.

“I know you’re just doing your job, but…I’m glad you are here. I don’t think I could do this if I was alone.” My voice cracked, and a lump formed in my throat. I swallowed down hard and took a deep breath. I didn’t want to cry anymore. “Anyway, thank you.” I gave a small smile, thankful for them.

“Don’t worry about it. You are family now, and we will do anything for the family.” Luca smiled, and Giovanni gave a small, firm nod. It made me tear up a bit. They saw me as a part of their family. I smiled, grateful for their words that eased my heart.

I quietly shut the door behind me. The house was completely silent and dark. Maybe she went to bed? Either way, I was happy I wouldn’t have to face her right now as I made my way upstairs to my room.

I let out a breath when I closed my bedroom door and searched for my phone. Sure enough, I had a few missed calls from Damiano. I took a final deep breath and cleared my throat a few times to make sure I would sound somewhat as I usually do.

“Althaia.” Damiano’s voice never failed to make me shiver.

“Hi.”

“What’s wrong?” He asked immediately. The way he had said it made me tear up, and I bit down on my lip so a sob wouldn’t escape. I closed my eyes, trying to get it together before I talked.

“Nothing’s wrong.” I let out a forced chuckle.

“You have been crying.” He stated. He knew me too well already to tell.

“I’m fine, trust me.” I squeezed my eyes shut as my voice decided to crack. “I was just watching a sad movie, that’s all.”

“… I see.” He replied, not convinced, but he didn’t pressure me to tell him, and for that I was thankful.

I settled comfortably under my covers as exhaustion washed over me, and the banging headache I had been ignoring was now in full force.

“I miss you. So much.” I whispered into the phone. I longed for the feeling of his arms wrapped tightly around me. I longed for his closeness, craving the soothing sound of his heartbeat and the familiar scent that filled the air when he was near.

“I miss you too.” His voice was soft, and it had my eyes welling up with tears.

“I need you. I wish you were here with me.” A tear escaped my eye. He was the only person I desperately wanted to comfort me right now and to tell me everything was going to be okay. I just hoped he wouldn’t leave once he found out that I’m pregnant.

My heart ached at the thought.

I woke up with tears in my eyes, my pillow damp from crying. I stayed in bed, just staring at the ceiling. It was early, the sun barely appearing on the horizon.

I let out a tired sigh and got up and made my way to the bathroom. I saw my reflection; tired eyes, red, and puffy, and my hair was a mess. I washed my face with some cold water to make my puffy eyes disappear, but it wasn’t helping that much.

I still looked like a hot mess.

I made my way downstairs, hearing movements from the kitchen. I looked at the time and saw that it was almost time for her to leave. Mrs. Park would be here with a cab, and they would leave for the airport together.

My mother was leaning against the counter while drinking her coffee. I walked past her, feeling her gaze on me as I poured myself a cup. Neither of us said anything as we drank our coffee in silence with tension so thick it was almost suffocating.

“You were with those two men from the restaurant.” She said quietly. I looked at her with a blank look on my face. If she had seen me with them, then she had already connected the dots. I didn’t bother to answer.

“You’ve gone too far into this. Get out of it while you still can.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I said calmly.

“It’s a world you don’t know a thing about. I have been in your situation. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

“So now I’m a mistake?” I let out a humorless laugh.

“Don’t you ever say that!” My mother placed her mug to the side. “You are the biggest blessing of my life. Your whole life, I’ve tried to protect you from that world. And I am trying to protect you by telling you to get out of it before it’s too late.” Her voice was firm, with a hint of desperation.

“It’s already too late, mom.” I said.

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